PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In commemoration of Malcolm X and Lorraine Hansberry’s shared birthday, Changing Perceptions Theater presents Happy Birthday Malcolm and Lorraine! New generation Black playwrights from Historically Black Universities and Colleges interpret portions of speeches, interviews and letters by Malcolm X and Lorraine Hansberry into short dramatic works to create Happy Birthday Malcolm and Lorraine! Following the 60-minute-show, there will be birthday cake and dancing to fully complete the celebration of these two great revolutionaries who share the same birthdate.

PLAYWRIGHT DUTIES

Listen to our postings of Malcolm X and Lorraine Hansberry speeches and interviews that we are interpreting this year.
Identify a segment that speaks to you.
Interpret the theme and message in the segment into a short scene/monologue that fits the script guidelines and the stage and tech guidelines of the project.
Submit first draft by April 26, 2022 along with a blurb explaining how your script relates to the theme and message from your chosen segment. There will be opportunity to make needed revisions and submit a Final Draft for prodution.
Selected writers will receive a stipend for their work.

SCRIPT GUIDELINES & TECH GUIDELINES

Script must relate to the theme and message from chosen Malcolm X or Lorraine Hansberry segment.

2-3 Characters per piece
Only formats allowed are:
- Monologues where a conflicted character finds new ralizaition by the end of the monologue
- 2 person scenes with a clear beginning, middle and end as well as conflicted characters
We appreciate words from speeches being in the dialogue of the script but that is not mandatory this year.
We appreciate staying away from #BlackLivesMatter or any social media popular movements and really focusing on Black people we know, love and can relate to

Set should not be integral to the piece
Chairs and Tables are fine.
Props are fine.
Light cues should NOT be integral to the meaning of your play.
Lights should not be a character in your play. Expect a wash and a background color. No specials, spots, etc.
Focus on dialogue and what actors can do to tell your story.
There can be a still projection that is shown throughout your play.
Anyone familiar with the Schomburg’s main stage knows that the stage and lights are quite substantial, but please

PRODUCTION CALENDAR

April 1- April 25- Writers start writing

April 26- First Drafts should be emailed to office@cptheater.com

April 26- May 7- Casting and Final Drafts are completed. Rehearsals can begin

May 7 - May 18 Rehearsal prcoess.

May 19- Performance @ Bed-Stuy Art House n Brooklyn NY. Live Streamed as well.

HOW 2 SUBMIT or QUESTIONS

Email your piece to office@cptheater.com by April 26. If you have any questions please feel free to send an email to office@cptheater.com

HOW 2 USE THE PROMPTS

Use the prompt as a springboard to create your dramatic piece. You do not have to make a literal interpretation of the scene. Speech can be metaphorical to current day, etc.

PROMPTS

Lorraine speaks about race in process of defending A Raisin in the Sun to Mike Wallace. Remarkable interview that touches on various issues, even the importance of being a black playwright.

Discussion of African character ventures into talk about reclaiming African Past

Lorraine examines integration into a burning house

“The Black Revolution and the White Backlash” Lorraine calls on White liberals.

Short snippet loop in which Lorraine speak about character but she also summarizes her sexuality.

Short Malcolm saying that could be looped.

Malcolm introduction of speech.

Malcolm on Blacks creating their own meaning of brotherhood and racism

Malcolm talking about Field Negro vs House Negro in speech

Malcolm speaking on Black women in speech